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Hillesheim JR, Starks TJ. Drug use and condomless sex among sexual minority men in relationships: Whether relationship quality is a risk or protective factor depends upon what they believe their partners do. Soc Sci Med 2024; 351:116941. [PMID: 38749254 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/17/2024]
Abstract
Sexual minority male (SMM) couples tend toward behavioral similarity around cannabis use, illicit drug use, and sex with casual partners. Similarity in these behaviors may contextualize associations with relationship quality. This study tested the hypotheses that perceptions of partner (cannabis and illicit) drug use and sexual behavior would predict personal drug use and sexual behavior as well as moderate the association between relationship quality and these health outcomes. Recruitment via social networking applications yielded a sample of 5511 cisgender SMM aged 18-85 (M = 38.21, SD = 12.16) who were in a relationship with an adult cisgender male main partner. Respondents completed an online survey assessing their own cannabis use, illicit drug use, and condomless anal sex (CAS) with casual partners during the past 30 days as well as their belief about their partner's engagement in these behaviors. Three subscales of the Perceived Relationship Quality Components (PRQC) scale assessed relationship quality. Across the observed range of PRQC scores participants who reported their partner used cannabis, used other illicit drugs, and had recent CAS with a casual partner were more likely to report engaging in these activities themselves. Among participants who indicated their partner did not engage in these activities, relationship quality was negatively associated with personal cannabis use (OR = 0.985, p < 0.001), illicit drug use (OR = 0.973, p < 0.001), and CAS with casual partners (OR = 0.979, p < 0.001); meanwhile, among those who reported their partner engaged in these behaviors - relationship quality was positively associated with the odds of these behaviors (OR = 1.018, p < 0.001; OR = 1.015, p < 0.001; OR = 1.019, p = 0.015 for cannabis, illicit drug use and CAS with casual partners respectively). These findings suggest that perceptions of a partner's behavior contextualize associations between relationship quality and personal behavioral risk. Results emphasize the importance of integrating components that support relationship quality into behavioral health interventions for SMM couples and SMM in relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Hillesheim
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tyrel J Starks
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA; Doctoral Program in Health Psychology and Clinical Science, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
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Temelkovska T, Moriarty K, Huerta L, Perez-Brumer AG, Segura ER, Passaro RC, Lake JE, Clark JL, Blair CS. Both/And: Mixed methods analysis of network composition, communication patterns, and socio-economic support within social networks of transgender women involved in sex work in Lima, Peru. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2385. [PMID: 38041045 PMCID: PMC10690964 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17278-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Social networks contribute to normative reinforcement of HIV prevention strategies, knowledge sharing, and social capital, but little research has characterized the social networks of transgender women (TW) in Latin America. We conducted a mixed methods analysis of three network clusters of TW in Lima, Peru, to evaluate network composition, types of support exchanged, and patterns of communication. METHODS We recruited TW residing in or affiliated with three "casas trans" (houses shared among TW) in Lima between April-May 2018. Eligible participants were 18 or older, self-reported HIV-negative, and reported recent intercourse with a cis-male partner. Participants completed demographic questionnaires, social network interviews, and semi-structured interviews to assess egocentric network structures, support exchanged, and communication patterns. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using Stata v14.1 and Atlas.ti, respectively. RESULTS Of 20 TW, median age was 26 years and 100% reported involvement in commercial sex work. Respondents identified 161 individuals they interacted with in the past month (alters), of whom 33% were TW and 52% family members. 70% of respondents reported receiving emotional support from family, while 30% received financial support and instrumental support from family. Of the 13 (65%) respondents who nominated someone as a source of HIV prevention support (HPS), the majority (69%) nominated other TW. In a GEE regression analysis adjusted for respondent education and region of birth, being a family member was associated with lower likelihood of providing financial support (aOR 0.21, CI 0.08-0.54), instrumental support (aOR 0.16, CI 0.06-0.39), and HPS (aOR 0.18, CI 0.05-0.64). In qualitative interviews, most respondents identified a cis-female family member as their most trusted and closest network member, but other TW were more often considered sources of day-to-day support, including HPS. CONCLUSION TW have diverse social networks where other TW are key sources of knowledge sharing and support, and family members may also represent important and influential components. Within these complex networks, TW may selectively solicit and provide support from different network alters according to specific contexts and needs. HIV prevention messaging could consider incorporating network-based interventions with TW community input and outreach efforts for supportive family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Temelkovska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, 12631 East 17th Avenue, AO1, 4th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 911 Broxton Ave, Suite 301, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA.
| | - Kathleen Moriarty
- Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC, 20007, USA
| | - Leyla Huerta
- Feminas, Jiron Carlos de los Heros 265, Cercado de Lima 15084, Lima, Peru
| | - Amaya G Perez-Brumer
- Division of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, 5th Floor, Room 554, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eddy R Segura
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Huánuco, Jirón Hermilio, Valdizan, Huánuco, 859-885, 10001, Peru
| | - Ryan Colby Passaro
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1200 N State Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Jordan E Lake
- Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, MSB 1.150, Houston, Fannin, Houston, Texas, 6431, 77030, USA
| | - Jesse L Clark
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 911 Broxton Ave, Suite 301, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Cheríe S Blair
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 911 Broxton Ave, Suite 301, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
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King WM, Jadwin-Cakmak L, Trammell R, Gamarel KE. Structural vulnerability as a conceptual framework for transgender health research: findings from a community needs assessment of transgender women of colour in Detroit. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2023; 25:681-697. [PMID: 35736653 PMCID: PMC9780405 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2022.2086709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The concept of structural vulnerability explains how systems of oppression drive health inequities by reducing access to survival resources (e.g. food, housing) for marginalised populations. Indicators of structural vulnerability such as housing instability, violent victimisation and poverty are often interconnected and result from intersectional oppression. We sought to demonstrate the utility of the structural vulnerability framework for transgender health research by examining patterns of structural vulnerability indicators among transgender women of colour in Detroit. We conducted latent class analysis and tested associations between classes and mental health and substance use outcomes. Membership to the Lowest Vulnerability class was negatively associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (aOR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.02-0.59). High Economic Vulnerability membership was associated with daily marijuana use (aOR = 4.61, 95% CI: 1.31-16.16). Complex Multi-Vulnerability membership was associated with PTSD (aOR = 9.75, 95% CI: 2.55-37.29), anxiety (aOR = 4.12, 95% CI: 1.22-13.97), suicidality (aOR = 6.20, 95% CI: 1.39-27.70), and club drug use (aOR = 4.75, 95% CI: 1.31-17.29). Substantively different findings emerged when testing relationships between each indicator and each outcome, highlighting the value of theoretically grounded quantitative approaches to understanding health inequities. Community-driven interventions and policy changes that reduce structural vulnerability may improve mental health and substance use outcomes among structurally vulnerable trans women of colour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley M King
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Laura Jadwin-Cakmak
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Racquelle Trammell
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Trans Sistas of Colour Project, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kristi E Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Fu R, Hou J, Gu Y, Yu NX. Do Couple-Based Interventions Show Larger Effects in Promoting HIV Preventive Behaviors than Individualized Interventions in Couples? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 11 Randomized Controlled Trials. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:314-334. [PMID: 35838860 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03768-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the effects of couple-based prevention interventions against individual-level interventions on HIV prevention in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), identify potential moderators, and assess study quality. Eleven RCTs were included, comprising 3933 couples in the intervention group and 7125 individuals in the individual control group, predominantly in heterosexual couples from the USA and Africa. Couple-based interventions had a more significant effect in promoting condom use and HIV testing. Education levels of high school or above, residence in low- and middle-income countries, and intervention design incorporating HIV counseling and testing were associated with higher odds of condom use. The quality assessment analysis identified methodological and theoretical heterogeneity factors. Evidence of couple-based HIV prevention RCTs among men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, sex workers, and transgender women warrant further investigation. Recommendations are made to improve the quality and replicability of future intervention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Fu
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Hou
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhou Gu
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Nancy Xiaonan Yu
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
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Gamarel KE, King WM, Operario D. Behavioral and social interventions to promote optimal HIV prevention and care continua outcomes in the United States. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2022; 17:65-71. [PMID: 35067595 PMCID: PMC8885930 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review reports on trends in behavioral and social intervention research in the United States published over the past year (2020-2021) investigating HIV prevention and care outcomes, organized by the level of intervention focus - individual, dyadic, and organizational. RECENT FINDINGS Researchers have continued to develop and evaluate behavioral and social interventions to reduce HIV acquisition risk and disease progression. With few exceptions, social and behavioral interventions have primarily focused on individuals as the unit of behavior change. Interventions operating at the individual-, dyadic-, and organizational-level have made strides to reduce HIV transmission risk and disease progressing by addressing mental health, substance use, stigma, peer and romantic relationships, and, to some extent, structural vulnerabilities. SUMMARY Social and behavioral interventions continue to be critical in addressing HIV inequities in the United States. An important gap in the literature is the need for multilevel interventions designed and implemented within existing community-based organizations and local healthcare settings. We call on researchers to continue to attend to the structural, environmental, and economic vulnerabilities that shape HIV inequities in the development of multilevel approaches necessary to realize the full potential of existing and emerging HIV prevention and care strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E. Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Wesley M. King
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Don Operario
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA
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Exploring barriers and facilitators to PrEP use among transgender women in two urban areas: implications for messaging and communication. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:17. [PMID: 34991548 PMCID: PMC8740429 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12425-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trans women are at increased risk for HIV infection yet are less likely to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication as a preventive measure. PrEP messaging and marketing has focused on men who have sex with men (MSM) or included trans women as a subset of MSM, ignoring the potential barriers to PrEP use unique to trans women. Little is known about how this group conceptualizes PrEP, what knowledge gaps still exist, and how trans women believe PrEP should be communicated to increase use. METHODS This qualitative study conducted focus groups (n = 5) in Philadelphia and Sacramento with trans women to assess these issues. RESULTS Twelve sub-themes were found related to five main domains, including PrEP knowledge, benefits, barriers, community-related considerations, and messaging/marketing. Findings indicate that knowledge of PrEP is still low and beliefs about PrEP's effects on hormone use persist. Most importantly, participants voiced a demand for culturally appropriate trans-specific messages in HIV prevention interventions and communication. CONCLUSIONS Without acknowledging specific barriers to PrEP uptake among transgender women separate from those of MSM and incorporating gender affirmation into PrEP education, simply knowing PrEP is available may not motivate trans women to use PrEP. This has important implications for future efforts to communicate about PrEP with trans women.
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Skeen SJ, Starks TJ, Jimenez RH, Rendina HJ, Cain D. Heterosexual Cisgender Men Partnered with Transgender Women Exhibit Higher HIV/STI Sexual Risk than Their Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Counterparts: Findings from a U.S.-Based Convenience Sample Recruited Online. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3279-3291. [PMID: 34050403 PMCID: PMC10062375 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03314-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cisgender men are frequently vectors for HIV transmission among transgender women. Despite this, the correlates of sexual risk among these men remain under-examined. The purpose of the present study was to explore potential differences in relationship characteristics, sexual risk-taking, and risk-reduction strategies among cisgender men partnered with transgender women. The study utilized secondary screening data provided by adult cis men who reported being in a primary relationship with a trans woman (N = 710). Gay men (18%) were comparatively older, and most likely to report both HIV seropositivity and committed pairings. Heterosexual men (14%) were more likely to report exchange sex, briefer relationships, extra-dyadic sex, lesser serostatus awareness or PrEP uptake. Queer men (7%) were youngest, and most likely to access PrEP. Heterosexual cis men with trans women partners may be subject to unique socio-cultural drivers of sexual risk, such as heteronormative pressures and relationship stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone J Skeen
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA.
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| | - Tyrel J Starks
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
- Health Psychology and Clinical Science PhD Program, The Graduate Center, CUNY, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruben H Jimenez
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
| | - H Jonathon Rendina
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
- Health Psychology and Clinical Science PhD Program, The Graduate Center, CUNY, New York, NY, USA
| | - Demetria Cain
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
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